Lei Stands

The giving of lei is a long standing tradition in Hawaii. As far back as the 1940s lei makers would pick flowers from their yards and string lei. Then they'd drive to the airport on Lagoon Drive, park their cars and trucks and sell lei to those greeting arriving passengers. Recognizing the importance of making visitors welcome in Hawaii, the Hawaii Aeronautics Commission completed construction of new Lei stands on Lagoon Drive at the entrance to the airport on June 19, 1952. Lei Stands were rebuilt along Rodgers Boulevard at the entrance to the new terminal in 1962. In 1978, the lei stands were relocated again to make room for the H-1 Freeway ramps to the airport.